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How much does roof painting cost? [2026]

Roof painting cost ranges from $35 to $45 per hour on average, depending on where you live in Australia. The total cost to paint a roof can be anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 including materials and labour, or more if you have a large roof.

If your roof looks dingy or you want a change of colour, roof painting can be a great home improvement project. Roof painting costs less than having your roof replaced, and roof tile paint can be applied to almost any type of roof – whether you’re painting a Colorbond roof, terracotta tiles or concrete tiles. But how much does roof painting cost? Read this guide for a breakdown of the costs involved to help you budget for your home improvement project.

How much does roof painting cost in Australia?

The cost to paint a roof mainly depends on how large the roof is. On average, expect to pay from:

  • $2,000 – $3,500 to paint a small roof
  • $3,000 – $5,000 to paint a medium roof
  • $5,000 – $15,000 to paint a large roof

Roof painters usually want to inspect a property before they give a final quote, checking aspects such as the condition of the roof and the steepness of the pitch that will affect how much labour is involved.

The cost will be higher if you also need to repaint or replace guttering and downpipes.

What is the average cost of roof painting per hour?

Roof painters generally charge by the hour, with the average rate being $35 to $45 per hour, depending on the state you live in. More experienced or in demand roof painters may charge more for their services.

Some roof painters may charge a lower rate between $25 and $35 per hour. These painters are normally less experienced and may take longer to complete the job or may give less satisfactory results than an experienced roof painter.

Is the cost of roof painting different in each state?

Roof painting costs can vary from state to state. Queensland has the lowest rate in Australia, around $35 per hour, while New South Wales roof painters charge around $45 per hour.

Local rates are also likely to be higher in the inner city than in the suburbs. Getting quotes from local roof painters will give you an idea of what market rates are in your area.

What factors affect the costs of roof painting?

Hourly rates aren’t always the best way to determine how much a roof is going to cost to paint. All roofs are different and two roofs of the same square metres may cost different prices.

When calculating your roof painting cost, some things roof painters look for include:

  • The size and type of roof
  • The type and quality of roof paint and other materials the roof painter uses
  • If your roof is too steep for roof painters to stand on (which may require hiring a hoist)
  • If your roof has a complex design that makes painting or access difficult
  • Whether you have a one or two storey home (roof painting is cheaper for single storey roofs)

If you’re thinking about painting more of your house at the same time as your roof, read our guide to the average cost of painting a house to get an idea of what you can expect to pay.

What are paint options for roofs?

The cost of roof painting depends on the type of roof you have. Different roof types and materials require different paints and techniques. For example:

  • Painting a Colorbond roof can cost $700 to $1,700 for labour alone, plus the cost of roof paint and any other services you need.
  • Painting roof tiles can cost between $700 and $2,600 for labour, along with the cost of roof paint and sealant.
  • Spray painting a roof costs from $14 to $28 per square metre (m2) or $35 and $60 per hour, not including preparation.

How much does roof tile paint cost?

Roof paint can be applied to most types of roof, including concrete tiles and Colorbond roofs. A good roof painting contractor will discuss your options with you and make recommendations about the best type of paint for your needs and your budget.

Depending on the type of roof you have and your location, painters may recommend:

  • Polyurethane, polyurea or polymeric roof coatings
  • Bituminous coatings, though these are not as flexible as other coatings
  • Water based acrylic roof paints for a more reflective finish, though these are not suitable for roofs that have water ponding in some areas
  • Eco-friendly silicon paints that are better for the environment, but also more expensive

Some typical prices for roof paint are:

  • $173 for 10 litres of weather-proof acrylic roof paint
  • $179 for 20 litres of exterior acrylic emulsion
  • $223 for 10 litres of high quality roof tile paint
  • $346 for 20 litres of heat reflective roof paint

The price difference between a high quality paint and other paints can be high, but using a cheaper paint could mean you have to repaint your roof sooner, which will end up costing you more.

Can you paint roof tiles yourself?

Trying to paint a roof yourself can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of slips and falls. Roof painters are specially trained and use special safety equipment to minimise the risks when working at height.

Even if you have a low roof, a DIY job is unlikely to look as good as professional roof painting. Professional painters will also be able to spot areas of the roof that may need repairing.

When is the best time for roof painting?

Spring and autumn are the best times to paint a roof, as the temperature is neither too cold nor too hot for working. Starting work in the morning will make the most of natural daylight.

Do you need to clean a roof before painting?

A roof should always be cleaned before painting can begin, removing all traces of dirt and debris as well as moss, fungi, bird droppings and leaves. As well as sweeping the roof, painters should also use jet washers to remove all the debris and may even do some light sanding.

As well as cleaning the roof, your roof painter will also check for any damaged tiles or other damage. Roof repairs may be an extra cost, but one that’s necessary to make sure your newly painted roof doesn’t leak. Doing repairs before roof painting will also ensure you have a uniform colour on your roof.

How do I prep my roof before painting?

Before roof painting begins, the painter will apply a base coat. This acts as a sealer to make sure the top coats of roof paint adhere to the surface. After this, an undercoat is applied, and finally a top coat in the colour of your choice.

What colour should I paint my roof?

The colour of your roof is up to you, but there are some general rules to keep in mind.

  • Your roof should match the style of your home and nearby features such as our guttering, fascia and garage door.
  • If you want to use more than one colour, these should be limited to two contrasting colours and one accent.
  • Roof paint should be high quality, or the paint could peel off and make the roof look like it’s in poor condition.

How long does roof painting last?

How long roof paint lasts depends on the quality of the paint used and the conditions your roof is exposed to. Many roof painters will guarantee their work with a workmanship and product warranty, which can last up to 10 years.

Roof painting or roof replacement?

Roof painting can make an old roof look new again and gives you the chance to try a new exterior colour scheme, but if you want to maintain your current roof colour, roof restoration can sometimes be less expensive than repainting the roof.

If a roof is damaged, or many tiles need to be replaced, replacing the roof could be the better long-term option. Roof replacement cost can vary from around $6,000 up to $20,000 or more.

How do I choose the best roof painter for my job?

When you’re comparing roof painters near you, don’t just go for the cheapest price. Ask what kind of preparation work a roof painter is going to do first, as just sweeping a roof isn’t enough.

Depending on the type of roof you have and its condition, a roof painter may also:

  • Pressure clean the roof to help the paint adhere
  • Replace damaged tiles
  • Repoint
  • Apply a primer coat before painting
  • Paint two coats in your chosen colour

When you get quotes from roof painters in your area, request itemised quotes to check that they’re all going to give you the same level of service. This should include necessary services such as pressure washing and high quality paints.

You should also ask the roof painter if they have references or can show you examples of their work so you can make an informed decision.

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